How do I download MacOS 10.16 Big Sur on my iMac when my iMac says its up to date

FYI ... it just macOS 11 for Big Sur. And Monterey is macOS 12 and Ventura is macOS 13.

To be clear, software update is a revision of the macOS currently running on the Mac; update Catalina 10.15.1 to Catalina 10.15.7, for example.

To update your current macOS, click the Apple  icon > About This Mac and then click Software Updates.... If there are any updates available for your Mac, they will be listed and you can apply them when you like.  Software updates may be set to occur automatically.  If no updates are presented, then it may be assumed that none are available for your current OS.

A software upgrade replaces the current macOS with a newer, differently named version; upgrade from 10.13 High Sierra to 10.14 Mojave, for example, or from 10.15 Catalina to macOS 11 Big Sur. Upgrades do not happen automatically, They must be initiated by a user with admin privileges.

Use Software Update to update or upgrade macOS, including built-in apps like Safari. 

Please see >: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

❗️ Do NOT upgrade…

until you have made a Time Machine or other backup of your startup drive.

Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine

How to Upgrade  macOS:

The macOS version you can upgrade to depends on the year your Mac was released.

Click the  (Apple) menu at the top of your screen and choose About This Mac.

Check the Compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS:

➡️ macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with the Macs listed here

✅ - IF your Mac is compatible, then download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click > Big Sur.

Once downloaded, double-click the “Install macOS…” app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.

Please see > How to download macOS.

Back up your data, check the application compatibility table, click here, and if your iMac is a 2014 or newer model, then on the download link for it.

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